Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

Blackler, Owen

Blackler, Owen, Farmer, Hazelburn. Mr. Blackler was born in Devonshire, England, in 1865, and came to the colony with his parents in 1874 by the skip “Stonehouse” He was educated at the Carleton school, near East Oxford, and in his early years he followed farming at Ashburton, Orari, and Longbeach. He also worked on his father's farm, and was cropping for three years. In 1888 Mr. Blackler bought his present farm, which was one of the first selected in South Canterbury, as its first settled portion was purchased by Messrs James and John McKay, in 1859. The farm now comprises 600 acres, 250 acres of which consisted of a swamp and some lagoons when the present proprietor entered into possession; but now having all been drained and cultivated, it grows excellent crops of rape and turnips, and the grass during summer will support ten sheep to the acre. The swamp was drained and cleared at a cost of £8 per acre. Wheat and oats are grown for the use of the place, but the remainder of the property is devoted to the production of beef, wool, and sheep and lambs for the export trade. Mr. Blacker's dwelling-house, situated near the south bank of the Opihi river, is built of stone and iron, and is one of the best farm residences in South Canterbury. Mr. Blackler was married, in 1807, to Miss McCallum.